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How do older adults experience pet companionship? A qualitative study of the affective relationship with pets and its effect on the mental health of older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic
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Abstract(s)
This study aimed to explore the affective relationship of older adults with
their pets during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to assess how this contributed
to their mental health. This qualitative study included 351 participants aged
65–88 years from Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Spain. All interviews
went through content analysis. Findings indicated five themes: (1) Enabling
a meaningful affective relationship (86%); (2) Strengthening affective sharing
with partner (68%); (3) Easing new affective relationships (61%); (4)
Enhancing sensory stimuli and physical touch (55%); and; (5) Feeling physical
pleasure (23%). Three main themes emerged from the content analysis
regarding the second objective: (1) Fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms
(73%); (2) Fewer feelings of loneliness (68%); and (3) Fewer mood swings
(43%). The affective relationship between older adults and their pets was
relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic since it solidified affective relationships with their partners and fostered the creation of new relationships.
Additionally, it contributed to a deeper affective relationship with themselves, in terms of sensory stimuli, physical touch, and physical pleasure.
Owning a pet improved mental health symptoms, namely those associated
with depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
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Citation
von Humboldt, S., Leal, I., & Silva, S. (2024). How do older adults experience pet companionship? A qualitative study of the affective relationship with pets and its effect on the mental health of older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic. Educational Gerontology. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2024.2321086
Publisher
Routledge